The parade differs from other festivities in the area, like Belmar’s iconic bacchanal, by offering a more family-oriented atmosphere.

“Because of the layout of the borough, we’re providing a much more intimate opportunity,” parade board member Michael Maguire said. “After we get to a certain point, the challenge is to manage the size.”

Despite its small-town feel and the lingering physical and economic effects of Hurricane Sandy, Rumson’s parade was a big success in the first year.

“We had around 800 participants in the parade and 4,000 spectators,” Larkin said. “There were eight different pipe-and-drum ensembles and 75 different groups represented. Mind you, this was all organized when Sandy was bearing down on the state.”

Larkin credited the success out of the gate to the fundraising prowess of parade organizers and supporters.

“I never worried about not putting on a good parade, I was worried about funding it,” Larkin said. “Then Sandy hit and money was really scarce, but we ended up with an excess. We were able to put some money towards this year’s parade, and give some to local charities.”

Rumson Mayor John Eckdahl said the borough was pleasantly surprised by the parade’s success.

“First time events are really hard and some of us were skeptical,” Eckdahl said. “We decided you folks looked serious, and to go for it. The product that was produced far exceeded what anybody’s thoughts were, people I was speaking to were overwhelmed.”

This year, the parade will be bigger and better – but hopefully, the hijinx that raised insurance costs for the St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Hoboken and eventually led to its demise will stay at home.

“Last year’s parade had zero incidents,” Larkin said. “We would like to see that happen again.”

The parade will be held on March 9, 2014, with Brig. Gen. Pete Dawkins as its Grand Marshal.

Dawkins has won a bevvy of awards. including the Heismann Trophy, the Bronze Star, the Distinguished Service Medal. He was the 1988 Republican U.S. Senate candidate in New Jersey, and has served as an executive for Bain Financial, Travelers Insurance, Primerica and Citigroup.

“We’re all very excited to see this year’s product,” Eckdahl said. “We’re so much looking forward to the event this year.”